Remembering - Wahiawa Nichiren Mission (by Sally Matsumoto and Shizuyo Kikuta)

May 2022

Remembering - Wahiawa Nichiren Mission

By Sally Matsumoto

In commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Wahiawa Nichiren Mission, it is necessary to trace the steps from its origin. The following information has been provided by their descendants and members of the Mission.

The origin of the Mission can be traced to the home of Reverend Nun Myoryu Aniya, in a Waipahu Cane Plantation called Camp 12. Rev. Aniya was not from a priestly background. As a fervent Nichiren Buddhist, she became the leader of a group of fellow workers chanting the “odaimoku” earnestly. In 1938, when the plantation quarters became too small for her membership, she purchased a lot in Wahiawa Heights, built a home and continued her ministry at Kilea Place.

Meanwhile, a piece of property was donated at Puu Place, a block away from Reverend Aniya’s residence. The members purchased two military buildings which were combined skillfully to form a Buddhist Temple and living quarters. In February 1948, there emerged a Lotus temple in the town of Wahiawa named WAHIAWA NICHIREN MISSION. This temple became the branch of NICHIREN MISSION OF HAWAII. The original building of the Wahiawa Nichiren Mission has been in existence since its establishment.

Reverend Nun Myoryu Aniya (1948-1979) was the first resident minister of this Mission. She was given the Buddhist name Myoryu by Bishop Mochizuki of the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii. She did not receive any compensation from the temple and was sustained by the offerings received from members and others. At Bishop Mochizuki’s advisement, Reverend Aniya was able to collect social security compensation, according to her daughter, which was a big help.

Due to her keen psychic perception and telepathy, enabled Rev. Aniya to heal people who suffered from numerous ailments. Reverend Aniya was able to build a large membership. She raised anthuriums and had her own vegetable garden on the temple grounds. The anthuriums she raised kept an ample supply of flowers for the altar. Although the temple grounds currently may not have anthuriums, her son, Mr. Sosei Aniya, continually supplies the temple’s altar with his beautiful anthuriums.

Reverend Aniya was later joined by her daughter-in-law, Ayako Aniya. Ayako did all the errands and the cleaning of the temple. She also prepared meals for visitors from afar. Reverend Aniya retired from the temple in 1979 at age eighty-seven and lived in retirement until age ninety-three.

Remembering - Wahiawa Nichiren Mission

The Hidden Lotus Jewel in a Place Called Wahiawa

By Shizuyo Kikuta

In 1948, Reverend Nun Myoryu Aniya established Wahiawa Nichiren Mission. She was an amazing reverend who had an extraordinary ability to heal people’s physical and spiritual problems. It was said that Reverend Aniya could foresee a person’s future and could save many people. According to one long time member, Reverend Aniya was able to make a blind person see. Because of Reverend Aniya’s ability, the increment of membership was remarkable.

After retirement of Reverend Aniya, Nun Myocho Shinkai succeeded her at Wahiawa Nichiren Mission with strong recommendation from Arch. Bishop and Mrs. Fujii. Also, then Bishop Senchu Murano and members of Wahiawa temple convinced her because Reverend Shinkai was a local Nisei and fluent in English and Japanese.

After Reverend Shinkai’s passing, Reverend Giryu Kijima resided for a short time. Then Reverend Eiyu Yoshiki became the head minister for 4 years. The last minister assigned was Reverend Junsei Nagayoshi.

After the departure of Rev. Yoshiki and Rev. Nagayoshi, Reverend Eijo Ikenaga from Honolulu Myohoji visited the temple every other Sunday to conduct a service for the Wahiawa congregation for 8 years.

From 2012 to 2020, former Bishop Shingyo Imai, former Bishop Chishin Hirai and current Bishop Shokai Kanai from the Betsuin; and Reverend Josho Yamamura from Myohoji took turns holding services at Wahiawa Nichiren Mission once a month. During the last 2 years of Pandemic, we couldn’t get together, so Reverend Yamamura kindly visited to chant the Lotus Sutra and Odaimoku for our enshrined ancestors and Buddha by himself every month.

Our sincere appreciation to all Reverends and Bishops who supported, guided, and showed us how to deepen our faith to become devout Nichiren-shu believers.

We will remember forever a small Nichiren-shu temple that shines like a jewel in a hidden place in Wahiawa.